HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/28/2022 Study Session 7
MINUTES
YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
June 28, 2022
City Hall --Council Chambers
5:00 p.m. Meeting conducted in person and virtually via Zoom
1. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Janice Deccio, presiding,Assistant Mayor Soneya Lund and
Councilmembers Matt Brown, Patricia Byers, Danny Herrera, Eliana Macias and Holly
Cousens (attending remotely via Zoom)
Staff: City Manager Robert Harrison, City Attorney Sara Watkins and Acting City Clerk Jodi
Stephens
2. Public comment(allow 15 minutes)
Tony Courcy, City resident, spoke on several subjects.
3. Downtown Yakima Mile proclamation
Assistant Mayor Lund proclaimed July 2, 2022 as "Downtown Yakima Mile Day" and Chris
Waddel, Lead Developer and Managing Partner of Hogback Development, accepted the
proclamation. Mr. Waddel discussed the seriousness and volume of domestic violence in our
community and explained the Yakima Mile is more than a race, it is about bringing our
community together for fun, fitness and to support the YWCA in their mission to end
domestic violence in Yakima.
4. Arts Commission Presentation on Potential Creative District
Joan Davenport, Director of Community Development introduced David Lynx, Chair of the
Yakima Arts Commission. Mr. Lynx shared a PowerPoint presentation of the Arts
Commission's accomplishments and current projects. He also provided an overview of what
a Creative District is and asked for Council support.
MOTION: Lund moved and Byers seconded to direct staff to prepare a resolution of
interest to the WA State Arts Commission for adoption at a future meeting. The motion
carried by unanimous vote.
5. Summary of Potential Downtown Plan Update
Joan Davenport, Director of Community Development, reported on a number of projects and
strategies currently in development in the City of Yakima core downtown area, including the
concept of a Creative District. Ms. Davenport stated an update of the City of Yakima
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Downtown Plan could provide a document that captures the vision of the property owners,
articulates the strategies of city projects and addresses some of the critical needs of the
area, like housing and destination planning. She noted an update is a big undertaking and
further discussion will need to take place during budget implementation. Several
councilmembers spoke in favor of moving forward with the plan.
6. Discussion on the Council Nominating Committee process
City Manager Harrison briefed Council on the item. Councilmembers Byers and Cousens
expressed concerns they had previously when the Committee rotated members.
Councilmember Brown mentioned it is a time commitment having to interview applicants as
positions are filled.After further discussion,
MOTION: Lund moved and Macias seconded to put on a future agenda to discuss
rotating members of the Nominating Committee and what that would look like. The
motion carried by a 4-3 vote with Byers, Brown and Cousens voting no.
7. Review of the proclamation policy
City Manager Harrison briefed Council on the proclamation policy.After discussion, it
was Council consensus that the policy is too broad.
MOTION: Lund moved and Macias seconded to direct staff to bring back an
improved version of the proclamation process. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
8. Adjournment
MOTION: Lund moved and Byers seconded to adjourn to the next City Council
regular meeting on July 5, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The motion
carried by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:49 .m.
CERTIFICATION
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